The safest and recommended method to effectively "rename" a central model in Revit, especially one that is workshared, involves using the "Save As" function to create a new central model with the desired name, rather than directly renaming the file on the operating system level.
Renaming a Central Model in Revit
Renaming a central model in Revit requires careful consideration, particularly if worksharing is enabled. A direct file rename of a live central model can break local file links and disrupt team collaboration. The recommended approach involves creating a new central model with the desired name.
Method 1: Recommended Approach – "Save As" a New Central Model
This is the most robust and recommended method for renaming a central model, especially when worksharing is active. It ensures all internal references and worksharing data are correctly updated.
Steps to Rename a Central Model Using "Save As":
- Inform Your Team: Ensure all team members synchronize their local changes to the current central model and then close their local copies. This is critical to prevent data loss.
- Open the Central Model: Open the existing central model in Revit. Crucially, when opening, do not create a new local copy. Instead, ensure the "Detach from Central" option is unchecked, and open the actual central model directly (or open a local copy and then
File > Save As > Projectto make it a standalone file before resaving as central). For this process, it's safer to open the central file directly by navigating to its location and selecting it.- Go to
File > Open > Project. - Navigate to the existing central file.
- IMPORTANT: Ensure the "Create New Local" checkbox is unchecked. This opens the central file directly.
- Go to
- Save As a New Project: With the central model open:
- Go to
File > Save As > Project. - In the "Save As" dialog box, navigate to the desired location for the new central model.
- Enter the new name for your central model (e.g., "Project X_2024").
- Click "Options...".
- In the "File Save Options" dialog, check the box for "Make this a Central Model after save."
- Set "Workset default" to "Specify" and choose "All existing worksets."
- Click "OK" to close the "File Save Options."
- Click "Save" to save the new central model with its new name.
- Go to
- Close the New Central Model: Close the newly named central model.
- Archive the Old Central Model (Optional but Recommended): Move the original central model to an archive location. Do not delete it immediately, in case you need to revert. This prevents team members from accidentally opening the old file.
- Team Members Create New Local Copies: Instruct all team members to create new local copies from the newly named central model.
- Go to
File > Open > Project. - Navigate to the newly named central file.
- Ensure the "Create New Local" checkbox is checked.
- Click "Open."
- Go to
Method 2: Direct File System Rename (Use with Extreme Caution)
While generally discouraged for active workshared models, some users might attempt to rename a Revit file directly in their operating system's file explorer, for example, to add version information like "2020" to the filename for clarity. This method carries significant risks and is not recommended for active central models, especially those with worksharing enabled, without subsequent critical steps.
When this might be considered (and with heavy caveats):
- For a non-workshared Revit file that you intend to make a central model later.
- For a central model that has no local copies and no team members currently linked or working on it.
- As a preparatory step before opening the file, detaching, and re-saving as a central model (effectively similar to Method 1, but with an extra initial step).
Risks of Direct File System Rename:
- Broken Local Files: All existing local copies will lose their connection to the central model and become orphaned.
- Broken Links: Any other Revit files or CAD files that are linked to this central model will have broken links.
- Data Loss: If team members don't synchronize before a direct rename, their local changes will be lost.
Steps for Direct Rename (Followed by Revit Processing):
- Ensure All Users Out: Verify that no one has the central model or any local copies open. All changes must be synchronized.
- Rename the File: Navigate to the folder containing the central
.rvtfile in your file explorer (e.g., Windows Explorer). Right-click the file and choose "Rename." Change the file name as desired (e.g., add "2020" to the name if it's a Revit 2020 file, as sometimes desired for clarity). - Open and Re-Save as Central:
- Open the newly renamed
.rvtfile in Revit. - When prompted (if it was a central file), choose "Detach and Preserve Worksets" or "Detach and Discard Worksets." "Detach and Preserve Worksets" is usually preferred if you intend to make it central again.
- Once opened, immediately go to
File > Save As > Project. - In the "Save As" dialog, verify the new name.
- Click "Options..." and check "Make this a Central Model after save."
- Click "OK" and then "Save." This re-establishes it as a central model with the new name.
- Open the newly renamed
- Relink and Notify: All local copies will be broken. Team members must now open the newly renamed and re-saved central model to create new local copies. Any linked models will need to be re-pathed.
Comparison of Renaming Methods
| Feature | Method 1: "Save As" New Central Model | Method 2: Direct File System Rename (with re-establishing) |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended for | Workshared projects | Non-workshared files, or as a first step before full re-save |
| Data Integrity | High | Moderate (requires careful re-establishment) |
| Local File Impact | New local files needed for all users | All existing local files are orphaned |
| Linked File Impact | No impact on internal links, external links might need re-pathing if folder changes | Links to this model will break if folder changes or if not properly re-established |
| Worksharing | Fully preserved and updated | Requires re-establishing worksharing |
| Complexity | Moderate | High (due to risks and necessary follow-up steps) |
| Primary Goal | Safe renaming, new GUID | Simple file name change (then re-establish GUID) |
Practical Insights and Best Practices
- Communicate Clearly: Always inform your entire team about any central model renaming, including the new file path and the need to create new local copies.
- Backup: Before any significant file operation like renaming a central model, create a backup copy of the existing central file.
- File Naming Conventions: Establish clear and consistent file naming conventions (e.g.,
ProjectName_Phase_Year.rvtorProjectName_Discipline_Version.rvt) from the start to minimize the need for renaming. - Testing: For large or complex projects, consider performing a test rename on a copy of the central file in a controlled environment before applying it to the live project.
- Revit Server & BIM 360/Autodesk Docs: Renaming central models hosted on Revit Server or in Autodesk Cloud environments like BIM 360 or Autodesk Docs involves different, platform-specific procedures and usually cannot be done by simply renaming the file in the OS. Consult Autodesk's documentation for those specific workflows.
By following the recommended "Save As" method, you can effectively rename your central model while preserving project data integrity and maintaining a smooth worksharing environment.
